In discussions about the future of public budgeting, officials have pointed to artificial intelligence as a potential tool for shaping the financial framework of the state. A senior official from the Ministry of Finance, Ivan Chebeskov, suggested that AI could play a role in constructing the Russian budget down the line. His remarks, reported by TASS, highlight a growing interest in using machine-driven processes to handle routine quantitative tasks and to support the preparation of financial plans that align with government priorities. The idea is not to replace human judgment but to augment it with data-driven insights that can help a ministry be more efficient and responsive to changing economic conditions while maintaining accountability and transparency in the budgeting process. The broader implication is that AI could become part of the standard toolkit for fiscal policy in the public sector, offering speed, consistency, and the ability to model multiple scenarios with ease.
Chebeskov emphasized that while there is room to explore AI for basic budgeting estimates and for drafting a baseline budget, the system would rely on algorithms to carry out clearly defined tasks. In other words, artificial intelligence could handle repetitive, data-heavy components of budget preparation, such as consolidating expenditures, projecting revenue streams, and stress-testing different policy options. This would free up human analysts to focus on interpretation, strategic priorities, and policy trade-offs. The conversation signals a shift toward a new coordinate system in public finance, where fintech capabilities and machine intelligence are integrated into traditional fiscal planning to improve accuracy and speed while preserving the essential oversight that voters expect from their government.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the ministry stressed that the budget cannot be fully automated. Human judgment remains indispensable for setting policy goals, evaluating social impact, and ensuring that the allocation of resources reflects societal values. The ministry plans to continue experimenting with AI tools as a support mechanism rather than as a replacement for expert analysis. This cautious stance mirrors practices seen in other governments, where automated assistance is paired with rigorous governance, auditability, and clear accountability to maintain public trust while leveraging the efficiencies AI can offer.
On the eve of new developments, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Boris Chernyshov announced the initiation of AI-powered efforts to monitor urban noise disturbances in Moscow. This move illustrates how machine intelligence is extending beyond macro budgeting into city management, where sensors, data analysis, and automated reporting can help identify environmental and quality-of-life issues in real time. The initiative demonstrates a broader trend: AI is increasingly used to support decision-making at multiple levels of government, from national finance to municipal administration. By detecting patterns, forecasting congestion, and flagging anomalies, these tools can inform policy decisions and public responses in a timely manner, while still requiring human guidance to interpret results within the social and legal context. This dual approach aims to improve urban livability, optimize resource deployment, and promote more responsive governance that can adapt to the evolving needs of residents.